Updated on July 21, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid and Vitamin C
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens, fragrances and oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 43 ingredients
Tosowoong Bakuchiol Serum 60 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 43 ingredients
Tosowoong Bakuchiol Serum 60 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Isododecane
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Squalane
Emollient
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Cyclodextrin
Absorbent3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Polyaspartate
HumectantHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Alumina
Abrasive
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Lecithin
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
Perfuming
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Citric Acid
Buffering
BHT
Antioxidant
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract
Masking
Coumarin
Perfuming
CI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Cyclodextrin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Polyaspartate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Retinal, Alumina, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Stearic Acid, Citric Acid, BHT, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Polysorbate 60, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Pentylene Glycol, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract, Coumarin, CI 14700, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Fruit Water
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
C14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Betaine
Humectant
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingCetearyl Olivate
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Tromethamine
BufferingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMyristyl Alcohol
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Lauryl Alcohol
Emollient
Sodium Citrate
BufferingGlucose
Humectant
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Arachis Hypogaea Oil
Skin Conditioning
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
Antioxidant
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Propolis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Avena Strigosa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningMelilotus Officinalis Extract
AstringentLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin Conditioning
Usnea Barbata Extract
Oryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Morinda Citrifolia Extract
AstringentAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Oligopeptide-29
Antioxidant
Oligopeptide-32
Antiseborrhoeic
Water, Citrus Limon Fruit Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, C14-22 Alcohols, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cetyl Alcohol, Betaine, Bakuchiol, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Olivate, Stearyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Sorbitan Olivate, Tromethamine, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Myristyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Citric Acid, Lauryl Alcohol, Sodium Citrate, Glucose, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Bisabolol, Ascorbic Acid, Ceramide NP, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Arachis Hypogaea Oil, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Madecassoside, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Propolis Extract, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Avena Strigosa Seed Extract, Melilotus Officinalis Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Usnea Barbata Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Oligopeptide-29, Oligopeptide-32
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Due to its olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 43 ingredients
Tosowoong Bakuchiol Serum 60 ingredients
Reviews
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